If you ever find yourself craving the comforting warmth of banana bread with a chocolaty twist, then this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to treat. It combines the wholesome sweetness of ripe bananas with rich cocoa for a delightful dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into an irresistible batch of brownies that are moist, fudgy, and packed with flavor from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in bringing out the perfect balance between banana bread and brownie textures. From the ripe bananas lending natural sweetness and moisture to the cocoa powder giving that deep chocolate kick, every component contributes something special.
- 2 ripe bananas: The riper, the better—for sweetness and moisture that make these brownies so soft.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create that tender crumb.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the batter while balancing the cocoa’s bittersweet notes.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and give structure to the brownies.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 ½ cups flour: The backbone for the batter, ensuring a lovely, not-too-dense texture.
- â…“ cup cocoa powder: Provides that unmistakable chocolate flavor and color.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the brownies rise slightly, keeping them light yet fudgy.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
- Optional Add-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips, ½ cup walnuts, or 2 tbsp peanut butter for swirling—great for pockets of extra indulgence!
How to Make Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature as you prep. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to keep the brownies from sticking and make clean cutting much simpler later on.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Take those ripe bananas and mash them in a bowl until they’re smooth with just a few small lumps remaining. This natural sweetness and moisture will work wonders in the batter.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once combined, stir in your mashed bananas for that unmistakable banana bread goodness.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a different bowl. This ensures they’re evenly distributed so your brownies bake perfectly every time.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the brownies dense, so stop once the streaks disappear.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center emerges mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Patience pays off here—let the brownies cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before slicing. This helps them set so every piece holds its shape beautifully.
How to Serve Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts also add a lovely contrast in both texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs wonderfully with these banana bread brownies, making for a dessert that feels both indulgent and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter with a variety of toppings—like peanut butter swirls or extra chocolate chips—for a fun sharing experience. You might also enjoy layering pieces with yogurt and fruit for a surprisingly delightful parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your banana bread brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Their soft texture remains delightful, perfect for snacking or a quick breakfast treat.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies for up to three months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For that freshly baked feel, warm a brownie slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes the fudgy texture and brings out the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup without sacrificing too much texture. Just keep in mind the bananas do add natural sweetness, so balance accordingly.
What’s the best way to choose bananas for this recipe?
Look for bananas that are very ripe—yellow skin speckled with brown spots is perfect. They’re sweeter and mash more easily, which enhances both flavor and moisture in the brownies.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can replace the melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil for a slightly different texture. The brownies might be a bit more tender but still deliciously moist.
Are there any gluten-free options for this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe?
Definitely! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine through.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Adding ½ cup of chocolate chips or walnuts is a fantastic way to give these brownies extra texture and bursts of flavor. Just fold them in at the end before pouring the batter into the pan.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Banana Bread Brownies Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug in dessert form. It’s easy to whip up, rewarding to eat, and versatile enough to enjoy any time of day. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these brownies are sure to bring smiles and satisfy those chocolate and banana cravings in the best way possible.
Print
Banana Bread Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully rich and fudgy Banana Bread Brownies that combine the moistness of ripe bananas with the deep flavor of cocoa. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these brownies are easy to make and customizable with optional chocolate chips, walnuts, or peanut butter swirls.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- â…“ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup walnuts
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (for swirling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Mash the Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth and lump-free, ensuring even moisture throughout the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Then stir in the mashed bananas until well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and cocoa evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the brownies. If using optional add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts, fold them in at this stage. For peanut butter swirl, gently add dollops on top and swirl with a knife.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for a gooey texture or at room temperature for easier slicing.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender.
- Customize with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips to add texture and richness.
- Peanut butter swirl adds a delicious creamy contrast but is optional.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
